Bengaluru, 4 April

After an 20-hour-long operation, a two-year-old boy who fell into a 16-feet-deep borewell in Vijayapura district was successfully rescued on Thursday afternoon by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The child, identified as Satwik Mujagonda was rescued by digging an alternative pit.

Speaking to Salar News, the Commandant from SDRF Belgaum, Arvinda R, said, "Digging the alternative pit was challenging due to the hard rock on the property. The rescue equipment included chipping hammers, ropes, and an aerator system, which pushes air and oxygen into the septic system to safeguard the child.”

 “We rescued the child around 3.00 pm without causing any injuries to the child.” Gurunath AC, Deputy Commandant of the SDRF team from Kalaburagi told Salar News.

Satwik was taken to a hospital for a CT scan after the rescue work. Medical Officer, Archana Kulkarni, said, “The baby has survived without light, air and food for 18-hours and confirmed that Satwik is in good health.” 

Satwik had fallen into the open borewell while playing in a field on Wednesday evening. The borewell, which was drilled to provide water for sugarcane and lemon crops, had been left uncovered, leading to the accident.

The local authorities reached the spot within 30 minutes and engaged in rescue efforts. A rope was lowered to the borewell to locate the toddler and the oxygen was sent to the baby using the camera. It was estimated that the boy was trapped at a depth of 15 to 20 feet inside the 400-foot-deep borewell.

The operation had nearly 40 members from SDRF teams from Belgaum and Kalaburagi. Gurunath said, “We got the call at 7.00 pm about the incident and we reached around 10.30.We tried to pull the kid from the rope but it got stuck in between. Then we had to resort to alternative solutions by digging the pit.”

Chief Minister Siddaramiah taking to Xhe said, “ The efficiency of the staff and public who worked round the clock for the protection of child is commendable.”

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Minister MB Patil congratulated SDRF, police, and Vijayapur district administration for saving the baby after 18 hours of continuous work.